Contributed by: adamAdam(others by this writer | submit your own)Published on September 3rd 2002The near legendary BYO Split Series returns with their fourth volume, this
time bringing together New Jersey's Bouncing Souls and Pittsburgh's Anti-Flag.
Volume three, which paired up NOFX and Rancid, was a lot of fun, but I'm glad
that this time around the bands chose to contribute some great or.

The near legendary BYO Split Series returns with their fourth volume, this
time bringing together New Jersey's Bouncing Souls and Pittsburgh's Anti-Flag.
Volume three, which paired up NOFX and Rancid, was a lot of fun, but I'm glad
that this time around the bands chose to contribute some great original
material.

The Bouncing Souls are a band close to my heart. They play an infectious mix
of `77 style punk with strong pop sensibilities. As a band they're always
energetic, inspiring and seem to be having far more fun then most of their
peers. That being said the Souls half of the split is a complete joy. "Punks In
Vegas" follows the tried and true Souls formula of fast punk that builds to
an introspective anthem. "No Security" is one of the fastest, hardest
hitting Souls tunes in recent memory and easily comparable with their early
material. The other original is "Bryan's Lament" with bassist
Bryan Kienlen covering the vocals. The band does a spirited cover of Anti-Flag's
"That's Youth" and pay homage to their influences with a great shout along
of Cock Sparrer's "We're Coming Back." Their final song is a cover of "Less Than Free" by
fellow New Jersey band Sticks and Stones.

I've never been a fan of Anti-Flag. Don't get me wrong though, politically we're on the
same page and I think they get undue amounts of silly criticism, I
just find their style rather restrictive. It seems to me often that they've
painted themselves into a corner stylistically and lack the subtlety that so
many of the great political punk bands had. However I was pleasantly surprised
with their half of the split. "America Got It Right,"
"Smash It To Pieces" and "Gifts From America: With Love, the USA" are catchy political rants that A-F fans have come to expect. The
band's commentary attacks the 'war on terrorism,' which makes their
lyrics a bit more focused then some of the more generic rally-cries they've done
in the past. "No Borders, No Nations" has Chris #2 on vocals and
sounds more in line with Strike Anywhere's latest material. The band covers the
Bouncing Souls' "The Freaks, Nerds & Romantics," which is a
refreshing change of pace for Anti-Flag and brings to mind how many similarities
the two East Coast bands really share. Their final song is a faithful cover of the
Buzzcocks classic "Ever Fallen in Love," which features some fantastic
vocal harmonies and is just as catchy and fun as the original. The covers allow
the band to step outside their typical political angle and keeps their half of
the split sounding fresh.

The covers on this album really help highlight the bands' individual
influences. Its always great to hear the Souls paying tribute to a band like
Cock Sparrer and its awesome to hear Anti-Flag acknowledge the influence the
Buzzcocks had on their sound. Once again, BYO's put together a great all-around
package when it comes to the liner notes. Jim Testa of the Jersey Beat zine
toasts the Bouncing Souls and Nicky Garrett of the UK Subs and New Red Archives
writes about Anti-Flag. Definitely check this one out.

Hello, im some kid whos going to complain about some other kid in order to make myself seem funny and boost my self esteem.

None of you like anti-flag because you dont want to take a stand on anything. Dont tell me im not informed. Dont tell me that just because i have a mohawk it means im not intelligent. Thats what makes you seem retarded. What your saying is that all punks are stupid and all punks have no lives. WRONG. Watch and wait, youll come to find that a-f is right on 99% of the things they stand for. A-F doesnt back down, they keep their views, and no matter what, they will always be great, and thats something you cant take away from them,

BTW this album is FUCKING KILLER

-Sincerly yours,
Fuck you

Anonymous (April 2, 2005)

fuck all you scene bitches who think your the fucking punkest punk , your pathetic , ''oh im so punk i have a big mohawk and i like aus rotten but NOT anti flag cause there obviously got nothing in common..'' FUCK OFF you tossers , anti flag do get off there arses check out there fucking sites - underground aliance , the one about miliatary recruting in schools and a couple more ; seriously though kids lighten up , anti-flags job isnt to go start riots - theres now way you can change the government too much its too far gone and corrupt - but what they are doing is making people aware of the bullshit , cause numbers make a change.

Anonymous (April 19, 2004)

I just found this on vinyl today at a tiny record shop in New Orleans on Magazine street called Rocks Off. Got it 25 % off too!

Sweet!

Anonymous (November 2, 2002)

Why aren't there any conservative punk bands? There'd be nothing more punk than raging against bleeding heart liberals and little kids who "rage" against the government when they probably don't even know what they're mad at or why. I bet people who says "fuck the wto" probably don't even know what it is. If you really want to do something about the country, vote.

Anti-Flag are an amazing band and even if you don't like their political stance, it should be about their music. I know a lot of their songs are political, but they're great songs. The Bouncing Souls are great too. Good idea for a split CD.

Anonymous (October 31, 2002)

this album is okay. i find myself skipping most of the bouncingsouls stuff though. they were good while they lasted.
the anti-flag stuff is really just more of the same. i swear one of the tracks on here is identical to an older song (i just can't remember which and can't be bothered checking).

bless 'em both for trying, though.

political punk rocks. the rest is window dressing and filmclip dross.

Anonymous (October 23, 2002)

You kids that are posting on here, talking shit about either the souls or a-f. You're really fuckin cool, i bet you do as much for punk rock as they do.

Anonymous (October 8, 2002)

Someone said Anti-Flag overcharges for their merch. I know I paid 10 dollars for my AF shirt at warped. That's the lowest you'll see shirts for.
And their shirts are all made in the US, which means they aren't made by some sweatshop in Burma. This also means AF is making much smaller profits than some less caring bands who sell sweatshop merch for 15 or twenty bucks.
Ont he issue of A-F, I think they're a wonderful band, even if they do play up their politics too much. I mean, I agree with them on a shitload of stuff, but they need more songs about social problems, like on ANKOA. That album was great.

hopeless romantic is a great bouncing souls record. it was one of the first punk records that i was exposed to.

Anonymous (September 9, 2002)

political punk is mostly BS. if u really were a punk and cared about politics and wanted to change it. u wouldnt sit behind a micro phone with a mohawk and bitch. u would go to college and be in the system. then get in a suit and tie and go to congrese and acually change shit. now i know the government is fuck up and theres not alot u can do but the shit u can at least try instead of bitch.........

Anonymous (September 9, 2002)

with my song being wrote........go listen to u2 if you want a meaningful message. Or jsut dont listen to anti flag. hell dont say u dont listen when u complain on how they sound. Anti flag were not the band to bag on a few years ago....now every1 does

Anonymous (September 9, 2002)

political punk that has no backing is what true punk is man. Its true

fuck politics

POLTICS SUCK
FUCK THEM
YOU VOTE FOR ASSHOLES
FUCK THEM
ID RATHER LIVE IN THE OCEAN

Anonymous (September 9, 2002)

That's "pussie" son. "Pussy" is refering to a Cat.

-Grammer guy

Anonymous (September 9, 2002)

Yeah, but being in a band, sending a message and actively defying your ignorant government does make you a revolutionary- you cannot talk shit unless you yourself are doing more. Which you're probably sitting on your fucking ass saying that one person cannot make a difference, but one person CAN make a difference when you give it your all- what happened to you pussys?

Anonymous (September 9, 2002)

Anti Flag is horrible.

"Being in a band does not make you a revolutionary."

Anonymous (September 9, 2002)

Fuck america and fuck anyone who thinks this country is free. Wake up!!!!! children!!!

Anonymous (September 8, 2002)

Hi, I'm a big scenester who knows everything about everything and likes to pick on kids that are just getting into the scene. You know when I was first getting into the scene I knew everything right away and never was in the position of the peole that I'm condemning now.

Fuck you think you would learn some things since you seem to have been in the "scene" for so long. Everyone has to start out somewhere. Just remember where you came from.

Anonymous (September 8, 2002)

hi, i'm a big ol' internet nerd and have nothing better to do than bitch about bands that have a political agenda. i'm not even old enough to vote, smoke or drink beer. my mom drops me off at "punk rock" shows in her lexus where i wear my hoodie with all the patches i had her sew on it.

the bouncing souls kick ass, that is a given, but what is with you guys bagging on anti-flag?
anti-flag is one of the most thoughtful, educated and meaningful bands in punk rock. i guarantee you that "Urban Sombrero" band is a bunch of posers that Justin and Pat were deliberately pissing off. They do have "senses of humor" too. its weird how you compare justin's voice to NFG guys voice, i see no similarity except that they are both kinda high, but justin doesnt sound like he got kicked in the balls and is on helium. Anti-Falg are great guys and although i don't claim to know them well, i have had conversations with 2 guys in the band, both justin and pat, the ones you said are dickheads.
admit it, the usa's govt is a bunch of wankers, and these guys have the balls to risk a hell of a lot to say how us (real punk rockers) feel. only nofx and good riddance are half as punk as them. eat my nuts you nfg loving pop-punkers. listen to real pop-punk if you must, the the bouncing souls or the gamits

Anonymous (September 7, 2002)

shtick: also schtick or shtik Pronunced 'shtk'
n. Slang
1. A characteristic attribute, talent, or trait that is helpful in securing recognition or attention: waiters in tropical attire are part of the restaurant's shtick.
2. An entertainment routine or gimmick.

To the guy who runs the 'radically strapped' website: Yes, it actually is like they're lying. I've seen many, many stupidly embellished or just flat out untrue Anti-Flag lyrics, enough to need my toes to count.

I like the bouncing souls. They're yet to sing a song about murdering rich people.

Anonymous (September 6, 2002)

nothing says intellegence like using fucking to describe everything you say.

As far as saying we can't admit our country is wrong, ya no one really said America is great and thats why we dont like AF. Its that they are so phony and everyone can tell. Has nothing to do with their actual message.

Anonymous (September 6, 2002)

I havnt got the CD yet, but i love Anti-Flag...And I also love the Souls...You fucks are just afraid to admit your country may be wrong at times, chill out and listen to the message, its not like theyre lying....fucking shit...
www.angelfire.com/rebellion/radicallystrapped

Anonymous (September 6, 2002)

I don't care about Anti-Flag or any other band having a political stance. My problem with Anti-Flag is that they're fucking hypocrites. I saw them back when they played with the Teen Idols, New Found Glory, and Less Than Jake. The drummer walked past one of the guys in my band. As he was going by our drummer said, "Hey, you guys played a good show." As he was saying this the drummer bumped into him pushing him out of the way and didn't say he was sorry. I also overheard someone talking to Justin Sane (great name by the way, as creative as Justin Credible of ECW fame) about how their message "meant so much to them" and he was basically like, "Uhh, yeah...there's our merch table; go buy some stuff." To me it didn't seemed like they cared too much about their "message" or unity for that matter. To me it looked like any other band trying to sell themselves. I'm in a band and sure, we try to sell stuff. But say it like it is, don't say you're in it for the music and a message when really all you're doing is creating a fascade.
Ryan (Urban Sombrero)
www.UrbanSombrero.com
www.mp3.com/UrbanSombrero

"Am I the only one who really despises having a political message shoved down my throat"

it's political punk, what the fuck did you expect? if you don't like it don't listen to it.

"go get their self-titled album, and then come back and tell me you dont like them, and then I'll punch you in the face for the fool that you are."

yes, punch me in the face for not liking your band. fucking dumbass.

"Pop punk with bitching about America isnt groundbreaking or cool, its fucking stupid."

why is it stupid? would you rather hear more songs about girls?

Anonymous (September 5, 2002)

first why does everyone always rag on hopeless romantic, I think it fucking rocks. I mean come you gotta admit, wish me well is one of the best duets of the last couple years and itnot the heat..... is pretty damn good song too.

second, to the people who don't want political messages being shoved down your throat. STOP LISTENING.

Anonymous (September 5, 2002)

I never was big on The Souls untill I saw them play with Alk3 and they were really good live. Ever since then I started listening to them from time to time, I would buy this if it didnt have AF on the other side.

Pop punk with bitching about America isnt groundbreaking or cool, its fucking stupid.

Anonymous (September 5, 2002)

I like anti flag because of the MUSIC. I like bouncing souls because of the MUSIC. I could care less if they were singing about politics or girls as long as the music is good, and if all you people hate them then WHY BOTHER EVEN READING THIS. All these people piss me off with the whole I'm punker than you cuz I like smaller bands, oh no anti flag has fans SHIT CANT LIKE THEM. BOUNCING SOULS WERE ON HBO OMG SELL OUTS. Just shut the fuck up and listen to whatever you want, don't just go online and bitch about bands you hate.

Anonymous (September 5, 2002)

This split is good. I lean more towards the Bouncing Souls stuff. And also, their self-titled is far from being their weakest album. Hopeless Romantic was pretty bad, even the band admits to that. The rest is great.

to the guy who doesnt like bouncing souls... go get their self-titled album, and then come back and tell me you dont like them, and then I'll punch you in the face for the fool that you are.

Anonymous (September 5, 2002)

1) Am I the only one who thinks Justin Sane sounds like that asshat from New Found Glory?
2) Am I the only one who really despises having a political message shoved down my throat?
3) Am I the only one who thinks AF are a bunch of geniuses for finding this shtick of theirs and exploiting it for this purpose?

I can't say I hate AF (I mean, they do have a few good tunes) but I hate the EFFECT they have on people. "My opinion matters, I'm informed! I know what I'm talking about! (Person proceeds to extrapolate a 30 min rant based on a 2.5 min song)" SHUT UP!! Assuming, (let me stress, assuming), AF themselves even have any clue as to what they're talking about - THEY came up with those opinions and you're just swallowing them in an easy to take punk package. You're just as bad as anyone else, except you get your political brainwashing in punkish form. Fuck that noise.

Anti-flag i like, Bouncing Souls I dont really. I mean some of their stuff is ok. I bought Their latest full length... summer vacation something and its pretty good but nothing that frequents my cd player. Anti-flag's underground network, die for your government and even mobilize still make it into the rotation. Its not their political stance, its not their popularity, its not whatever morals they do or dont stand for. Its just that I enjoy their music. Thats it... opinion. Take it for what you want... most people will make fun of me, most will say im an idiot... .most mean nothing to me. That guy who was being the Punkest Guy In the World hit everything right on the nose. You want to be punk, you want to rebel, but when it comes right down to it nothing happens... and then when something becomes popular you automatically hate it. Fuck if Bad religion suddenly showed up on MTV you would all hate them too. Wait I saw them on Much Music (well when I still got much music anyway... **sniff**)... they must suck now... fuck Bad religion they sold out.Anyway, Anti-Flag is good, Bouncing Sould are not... my opinion... accept it because if you dont you are not punk.. ha.-BostonMusicGuy

Anonymous (September 5, 2002)

I think Adam nailed it with his opinion of Anti-Flag.

-sickboi

Anonymous (September 5, 2002)

all the best rock bands soldout.

Anonymous (September 5, 2002)

Hello,
I want to introduce myself
I am the Punkest person who's ever walked the face of this planet and I spend most of my time on-line talking shit on bands whom Ive never met just because it makes me feel better about my lame ass life. Ive never really done shit for music or the scene I just kinda walk around with my nose in the air and bitch about how no one could ever be as punk as me.
Yeah, I know its a hard life but Im doing fine cause Ive got my Pabst Blue Ribbon , my keyboard, and a whole lotta time on my hands cause I aint worth a bowl of dick in the big picture...and thats fine by me! Just dont try and do anything that you might think is punk cause you'll never be as punk as I am.
Thanks for your time and now all you posers can go back to your weak ass shit talking lives. Take Care!
-Sincerly
The Punkest Person in the whole world

Anonymous (September 5, 2002)

to the guy below me , you just named the "bullshit answers" that people dont like them for, no wonder you like em, your a fucking moron as well as they are

anti-flag is a good band. they aren't amazing or revolutionary, just good. while i think "underground network" and "mobilize" totally sucked, their earlier stuff was very good. they catch so much shit for no particular reason other than it's the "punk" thing to do these days. "o my god, a popular political punk band! i must make up bullshit reasons to not like them. uhhhh, they suck because their songs aren't politically specific enough for my taste! and the music is too simple! blehhhhh!" whatever.

bouncing souls fucking suck. there i've said it. i've never liked that band and i have no idea what people see in em. bland, i say.

Anonymous (September 4, 2002)

I agree that that is kinda hypocritical but at the warped I seem to remember anti flag spray painting kids shirts with the anti flag gun logo(that they stole from crass anyway) for free(at least thats what I hope, I never actually took advantage because I don't want my clothes looking like a back alley wall).

Anonymous (September 4, 2002)

i think its funny when "political" punks sell merch. its like they charge 18 bucks and pay taxes, thats kinda hypocritical of that don't you think, damn the man fuck capitalism! but buy our t-shirt that says "damn the man fuck capitalism!" thats really sticking up with your beliefs right?

Anonymous (September 4, 2002)

WHo the hell cares if Anti Flag are suburbanite white kids. The fact that they're making kids rage against "the man", and not knowing why they're even mad at "the man" is fucking great. I'm too lazy to rage so I'll let the bastards do it for me.

Sara (no h)

Anonymous (September 4, 2002)

the best rock bands hated this bullshit country.

Anonymous (September 4, 2002)

the best rock bands were political.

Anonymous (September 4, 2002)

people who make music elitest clubs like chemical burst must be the most bored lamed individuals. who really cares? let anti flag sell themselves liek all the bands you mentioned. rock in roll is dead remmeber? the refused said it themselves.=] love! and be loved!

Anonymous (September 4, 2002)

anti flags message is what makes them great, not their music. america is a lie and needs to be exposed.

Anonymous (September 4, 2002)

anti-flag is phony.

Anonymous (September 4, 2002)

Give it up for the bouncing souls,they are on a roll, how i spent is still in my regular cd rotation.. And now this!!!!-oldpunker-

Anonymous (September 4, 2002)

I like antiflag, but specifically I like the first LP on new red. After that, I think their repeating that first and superior album. And not like "I like there old stuff", but I really think they copy alot of the same melodies and so on from the first record, not just spirit in general.

The reason I think they need a rebirth is that they have lost even the ability think up their own songtitles. Most of their song titles now are either borrowed and popular slogans they didnt come up with like "no borders, no nations" or names of places. Which once or twice is fine as they are fine slogans and who says they cant use them? But the 8th song that is a repetition of a bumper sticker or protest tshirt its like they're just going to use every old phrase until they have to think up new ones.

Why not have a song called "hell no, we wont go" or "is congress the opposite of progress". Dont write a song about something if your just regurgitating something better said elsewhere. Im not saying you have to create your own political system, just dont make it so broad and uninventive.

Anonymous (September 4, 2002)

pardon the seeming redundance of this post, but a more thourough critique of why anti-flag is tired, boring tripe needs to be posted. back when i was a young, naive little shit in cleveland ohio anti-flag was my favorite band, and initially i didn't care that they claimed to be revolutionaries whilst merely whiny demagogues who have yet to learn a second chord on the guitar (a power chord played on a different fret is still a power chord.) but now, i realize they're about as revolutionary as the democratic party (with strikingly similar politics) and about as musically inventive as blink 182. so honestly, listen to dead kennedys, propagandhi, crass, even refused, even at the drive-in, or any number of truly revolutionary musically talented rock'n'roll bands.

people aren't expendable, government and whiny psuedo-intellectually "punk" music are.
-chimericalburst

Anonymous (September 3, 2002)

Arg its always gotta come to that. I've got a question for you. What makes Anti-Flag's politics a "shtick" while any other political band is just being political? Where do you draw the line? I guess its just PUNK RAWK to hate anything that becomes reasonably popular. The only Anti-Flag song from this split I've heard is "No Borders, No Nations" and I thought it was excellent. I dont even care much for "Mobilize!" or "Underground Network". I'm almost sure the guy beneath me hasn't heard a single song off the split, but if you ask him how it is, he'll say it sucks.

Anonymous (September 3, 2002)

Ya ya, Anti-Flag are jackass politcal punk, but their music still kicks ass so who the shit cares.

3.5 stars for the Souls, 2.5 for Anti-Flag. I can't put my finger on why I love the Souls, 'cause they're not exactly unique, yet there's no one band they really sound like. They're just so damned fun, nobody does what that style nearly as well as the Souls. They were one of the first punk bands I ever heard and I will always love them. Their half of the split isn't their best stuff, but it's solid. Anti-Flag will never be anything more than average in my book. The split did nothing to change my point of view.

Anonymous (September 3, 2002)

You know somebody will do it, so why not me. Anti-Flag is terrible. Their shtick is terrible. And you're kidding yourself if you don't think it's a shtick. Fuck them and their 'governement sucks' attitude that millions of their little faithful suburban middle class morons follow along to because everyone knows it's PUNK RAWK to be anti-establishment. Dumb.